Greek fire

American  

noun

1. an incendiary mixture of unknown composition, used in warfare in medieval times by Byzantine Greeks.

2. any of a group of inflammable mixtures; wildfire.

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Greek fire British  

noun

1. a Byzantine weapon employed in naval warfare from 670 _ad. It consisted of an unknown mixture that, when wetted, exploded and was projected, burning, from tubes

2. any of several other inflammable mixtures used in warfare up to the 19th century

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Etymology

Origin of Greek fire

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Greek fire

Other fires across the country, including one on the Ionian island of Cephalonia, had largely been contained, the Greek fire service said.

From Barron's ● Aug. 4, 2026

The Greek fire service said 40 firefighters and 13 fire trucks had been sent to tackle the blaze.

From BBC ● Jan. 26, 2026

Artopios, the Greek fire department spokesman, said 260 firefighters, including more than a dozen from France, were battling the Parnitha fire supported by a multinational force of 10 planes and 11 helicopters.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 24, 2023

Cyprus said it was sending two firefighting aircraft to help Greek fire fighters.

From Reuters ● Aug. 21, 2023

A dozen Cyclopes advanced on the crumbling bridges, while seal-shaped humanoids—telkhines, like Frank had seen in Atlanta—lobbed vials of Greek fire across the chasm.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan